Job summary
An exciting opportunity exists for a Category Specialist to work within the Procurement and Supplies Department of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced procurement professional to support the delivery of projects and improvement programmes that underpin the delivery of operational and financial performance targets.
The post holder will provide a comprehensive procurement advisory and planning service to Clinical Management Groups and Corporate Directorates, supporting them to drive efficiency in clinical and non-clinical expenditure. Supporting the coverage of £220m of non-pay spend across the Trust, you will ensure strategies deliver value for money and improved services for designated Categories.
Your primary base will be County Hall; however frequent travel between UHL's hospital sites will be required.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will manage a portfolio of projects within one or more Procurement Categories within the Corporate, Estates and I&MT category team and achieve the most economic supply arrangements, whilst adhering to procurement rules and Trust governance.
Key activities include;
- Leading on specific sourcing programmes for defined projects, taking the lead on the allocated sourcing category or categories, and contributing significantly to the delivery of allocated procurement projects.
- Engaging Clinicians, Managers and Stakeholders in the end to end process for product selection and supply of services, including demand challenge, transition and implementation planning and development of strategy, tender evaluation, award criteria, and ongoing contract management.
- Assisting in the delivery of cost and efficiency savings across a large project range across CMG's, by analysing current spend information and undertaking complex market analysis or product usage and cost trends to develop procurement strategies. To ensure that CMG proposals for non-pay savings are robust and reported appropriately.
- Promoting contract compliance across the Trust in particular where commitment contracts are placed, through escalation to the Senior Category Manager.
About us
We are one of the biggest and busiest NHS trusts in the country, incorporating the General, Glenfield and Royal Infirmary hospitals. We have our very own Children's Hospital and run one of the country's leading heart centres.
Our team is made up of more than 17,000 staff providing a range of services primarily for the one million residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
We work with partners at the University of Leicester and De Montfort University providing world-class teaching to nurture and develop the next generation of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, many of whom go on to spend their working lives with us.
Our purpose is to provide 'Caring at its best' and our staff have helped us create a set of values that embody who we are and what we're here to do.
They are:
We focus on what matters most.
We treat others how we would like to be treated.
We are passionate and creative in our work.
We do what we say we are going to do.
We are one team and we are best when we work together
Our patients are at the heart of all we do and we believe that 'Caring at its best' is not just about the treatments and services we provide, but about giving our patients the best possible experience.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (leicestershospitals.nhs.uk)
Job description
Job responsibilities
Reporting to a Senior Category Manager - (Corporate and E&F), the post holder will manage a portfolio of projects within one or more Procurement Categories and achieve the most economic supply arrangements, whilst adhering to procurement rules and Trust governance.
SCOPE
Supporting the coverage of £220m non-pay spend across the Trust, ensuring strategies that deliver value for money and improved services for designated Categories.
The post will provide a comprehensive procurement advisory and planning service to Clinical Management Groups and Corporate Directorates, supporting them in driving efficiency in clinical and non-clinical expenditure.
The post holder will be required to deliver procurements within pre-defined budgets
The post holder will have line management responsibility for assigned Category colleagues.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring all products and services within the scope of the post are procured in line with local and national procurement strategy and in line with both UK and European Procurement legislation and SFIs, SOs, to the Clinical Management Groups and Corporate Directorates, supporting them in driving efficiency in clinical and non-clinical expenditure.
Key communications links:Staff at all levels within the Trust.Staff at all levels within external Organisations.Suppliers and Supplier Trade/Professional Bodies.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Working with the Senior Category Manager - (Corporate and E&F) to deliver Category Strategies for assigned categories within the category team.
Work with clinical users and managers to inform the specification and evaluation criteria for tender processes in terms of quality and cost.
Liaise with all internal colleagues, as appropriate, in order to meet customer needs.
Liaise with colleagues within the rest of the Finance and Procurement Directorate including receipt and distribution staff & payments to ensure customer satisfaction occurs on non-stock purchases.
Liaise with other Trusts, buyers from the 3rd Party Procurement Organisations as required in order to meet customer needs, and value for money objectives.
KEY RESULT AREAS
Leading on specific sourcing programmes for defined projects, both Trust wide and in single CMGs, taking the lead on the allocated sourcing category or categories, and contributing significantly to the delivery of allocated procurement projects within key markets. The preparation and presentation of Procurement Strategy, Procurement process plans and making recommendations on contract award to the Commercial Executive. Assisting in the delivery of cost and efficiency savings across a large project range across CMGs, by analysing current spend information and undertaking complex market analysis or product usage and cost trends to develop procurement strategies. To ensure that CMG proposals for non-pay savings are robust and reported appropriately. The engagement of Clinicians, Managers and Stakeholders in the end to end process for product selection and supply of services, including demand challenge, transition and implementation planning and development of strategy, tender evaluation, award criteria, and ongoing contract management. Promoting contract compliance across the Trust in particular where commitment contracts are placed, through escalation to the Senior Category Manager. Undertaking rigorous and widespread benchmarking activity to support on-going negotiation and market intelligence for designated Categories. Supporting the development, creation and delivery of the strategy for demand challenge and procurement process by liaising with the necessary clinical leads and medical staff, recommending change where necessary to affect efficiencies and savings. Working with other Senior Procurement Management to develop networks to promote greater understanding and buy in to the Trust and Procurement Strategy. Senior activity in liaising with colleagues at all levels to ensure compliance in the use of agreed standardised products, ensuring the range of items within catalogues are rationalised to an optimum level. Take the lead on setting up and/or work with established product evaluation groups across the Trust to evaluate products and fast track product rationalisation decisions. Promoting the standardisation of equipment using evidence base and innovative practice across the health economy of the region by carrying out effective, collaborative equipment purchases and trials. Representing UHL in working with other public bodies in the integration of purchasing/product service standardisation. Make recommendations as to products and services to purchase in conjunction with Clinical and User networks Work with conflicting stakeholder needs through sourcing groups providing a robust whole life costing approach to ensure best value to the Clinical Management Groups Provide reports to support the Senior Category Manager / Category Managers attendance at relevant senior meetings. Responsible for the authorisation of contracts and purchase orders within the Scheme of Delegation. Analyse the past financial performance of suppliers to make recommendations as to the financial capacity of an organisation to trade with the Trust. Use of procurement and financial management systems:
o Responsible for managing tenders through the online tendering system and contract management.
o Process orders within financial delegation.
o Use of benchmarking software to produce and interpret reports to present to CMG's.
o Inputting and manipulating data, using software to produce reports
The post holder will be resourceful and provide a confident personal presentation to staff at all levels within the Trust.
The post holder is sometimes called upon to participate in staff training and training of end users in processes at Trust level.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Reporting to a Senior Category Manager - (Corporate and E&F), the post holder will manage a portfolio of projects within one or more Procurement Categories and achieve the most economic supply arrangements, whilst adhering to procurement rules and Trust governance.
SCOPE
Supporting the coverage of £220m non-pay spend across the Trust, ensuring strategies that deliver value for money and improved services for designated Categories.
The post will provide a comprehensive procurement advisory and planning service to Clinical Management Groups and Corporate Directorates, supporting them in driving efficiency in clinical and non-clinical expenditure.
The post holder will be required to deliver procurements within pre-defined budgets
The post holder will have line management responsibility for assigned Category colleagues.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring all products and services within the scope of the post are procured in line with local and national procurement strategy and in line with both UK and European Procurement legislation and SFIs, SOs, to the Clinical Management Groups and Corporate Directorates, supporting them in driving efficiency in clinical and non-clinical expenditure.
Key communications links:Staff at all levels within the Trust.Staff at all levels within external Organisations.Suppliers and Supplier Trade/Professional Bodies.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Working with the Senior Category Manager - (Corporate and E&F) to deliver Category Strategies for assigned categories within the category team.
Work with clinical users and managers to inform the specification and evaluation criteria for tender processes in terms of quality and cost.
Liaise with all internal colleagues, as appropriate, in order to meet customer needs.
Liaise with colleagues within the rest of the Finance and Procurement Directorate including receipt and distribution staff & payments to ensure customer satisfaction occurs on non-stock purchases.
Liaise with other Trusts, buyers from the 3rd Party Procurement Organisations as required in order to meet customer needs, and value for money objectives.
KEY RESULT AREAS
Leading on specific sourcing programmes for defined projects, both Trust wide and in single CMGs, taking the lead on the allocated sourcing category or categories, and contributing significantly to the delivery of allocated procurement projects within key markets. The preparation and presentation of Procurement Strategy, Procurement process plans and making recommendations on contract award to the Commercial Executive. Assisting in the delivery of cost and efficiency savings across a large project range across CMGs, by analysing current spend information and undertaking complex market analysis or product usage and cost trends to develop procurement strategies. To ensure that CMG proposals for non-pay savings are robust and reported appropriately. The engagement of Clinicians, Managers and Stakeholders in the end to end process for product selection and supply of services, including demand challenge, transition and implementation planning and development of strategy, tender evaluation, award criteria, and ongoing contract management. Promoting contract compliance across the Trust in particular where commitment contracts are placed, through escalation to the Senior Category Manager. Undertaking rigorous and widespread benchmarking activity to support on-going negotiation and market intelligence for designated Categories. Supporting the development, creation and delivery of the strategy for demand challenge and procurement process by liaising with the necessary clinical leads and medical staff, recommending change where necessary to affect efficiencies and savings. Working with other Senior Procurement Management to develop networks to promote greater understanding and buy in to the Trust and Procurement Strategy. Senior activity in liaising with colleagues at all levels to ensure compliance in the use of agreed standardised products, ensuring the range of items within catalogues are rationalised to an optimum level. Take the lead on setting up and/or work with established product evaluation groups across the Trust to evaluate products and fast track product rationalisation decisions. Promoting the standardisation of equipment using evidence base and innovative practice across the health economy of the region by carrying out effective, collaborative equipment purchases and trials. Representing UHL in working with other public bodies in the integration of purchasing/product service standardisation. Make recommendations as to products and services to purchase in conjunction with Clinical and User networks Work with conflicting stakeholder needs through sourcing groups providing a robust whole life costing approach to ensure best value to the Clinical Management Groups Provide reports to support the Senior Category Manager / Category Managers attendance at relevant senior meetings. Responsible for the authorisation of contracts and purchase orders within the Scheme of Delegation. Analyse the past financial performance of suppliers to make recommendations as to the financial capacity of an organisation to trade with the Trust. Use of procurement and financial management systems:
o Responsible for managing tenders through the online tendering system and contract management.
o Process orders within financial delegation.
o Use of benchmarking software to produce and interpret reports to present to CMG's.
o Inputting and manipulating data, using software to produce reports
The post holder will be resourceful and provide a confident personal presentation to staff at all levels within the Trust.
The post holder is sometimes called upon to participate in staff training and training of end users in processes at Trust level.
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or relevant experience.
- Hold a professional procurement qualification or working towards MCIPS or have relevant procurement experience.
- Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development.
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Conversant with information management and technology.
- Demonstrate solid achievement in their current/previous roles
- Reliable and gives attention to detail
Desirable
- Vehicle License Holder.
- Flexible approach to work and be available to work outside normal working hours
Planning & Organisational
Essential
- Ability to prioritise a wide range of competing priorities of own workload and that of the team.
- Evidence of the ability to work on own initiative and plan effectively.
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Experience of tender evaluation
- Experience of market and economic analysis
Experience
Essential
- Expert theoretical knowledge of public sector procurement.
- Proven experience of procurement/category management within a large organisation.
- Experience of using e-tendering solutions.
- Management of complex tenders
- Proven ability to operate/think laterally & work on own initiative
- Industrious and versatile
Desirable
- Experience of procurement/category management within the NHS
- Experience in negotiation
- Experience of Demand Management techniques
- Experience of Managing Staff
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Tactful, diplomatic and at ease with all kinds of people
- Proven high level of communication skills using a range of methods including written, verbal and presentations
- Ability to lead and cooperate with cross functional teams to drive progress
- Articulate with practised and developed interpersonal communication and presentational skills
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs
- All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Enthusiastic and motivated
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or relevant experience.
- Hold a professional procurement qualification or working towards MCIPS or have relevant procurement experience.
- Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development.
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Conversant with information management and technology.
- Demonstrate solid achievement in their current/previous roles
- Reliable and gives attention to detail
Desirable
- Vehicle License Holder.
- Flexible approach to work and be available to work outside normal working hours
Planning & Organisational
Essential
- Ability to prioritise a wide range of competing priorities of own workload and that of the team.
- Evidence of the ability to work on own initiative and plan effectively.
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Experience of tender evaluation
- Experience of market and economic analysis
Experience
Essential
- Expert theoretical knowledge of public sector procurement.
- Proven experience of procurement/category management within a large organisation.
- Experience of using e-tendering solutions.
- Management of complex tenders
- Proven ability to operate/think laterally & work on own initiative
- Industrious and versatile
Desirable
- Experience of procurement/category management within the NHS
- Experience in negotiation
- Experience of Demand Management techniques
- Experience of Managing Staff
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Tactful, diplomatic and at ease with all kinds of people
- Proven high level of communication skills using a range of methods including written, verbal and presentations
- Ability to lead and cooperate with cross functional teams to drive progress
- Articulate with practised and developed interpersonal communication and presentational skills
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs
- All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Enthusiastic and motivated
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
